AS PART of a new countdown series leading into the 2023 South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s season, we will name 23 players to watch who are under 23. We are only looking at those players who were born January 1, 2000 or later, have played a SANFL Women’s senior match and have never been on an AFL Women’s list. Today we are up to number #12 and it is South Adelaide utility Gypsy Schirmer.
#12 Gypsy Schirmer (South Adelaide)
DOB: 18/02/2003
Height: 178cm
Position: Tall Utility
Local club: Christies Beach
Gypsy Schirmer is a player who has constantly been in and around the AFL Women’s Draft chatter having come through the pathways as a highly-touted youngster. Though the 19-year-old has yet to get her chance at the top level, she is steadily improving through each SANFL Women’s season. Possessing elite athletic traits, Schirmer started her career as a forward, progressed into the midfield and then went into defence, to become the ultimate utility.
In most scenarios, 178cm athletic talents are rare, and Schirmer fits the bill as what many might deem to be the ‘prototype midfielder’. She is strong, tough and not afraid to win the hard ball, while having the pace to work with on the outside and explode away. At South Adelaide, she remains one of the Panthers’ most crucial players, not just for her footballing traits, but for her versatility across all three lines.
>> FEATURE 2021 | Schirmer’s smooth transition into midfield
In her top-age season, Schirmer averaged 12.6 disposals, 1.3 marks, 4.2 tackles, 1.8 inside 50s and 1.6 rebound 50s for the Panthers having moved from the forward half of the ground to the defensive end. Her natural footballing senses were able to apply wherever she went, with just her kicking consistency being the main area of improvement.
That deficiency has come a long way over the years, with Schirmer lifting her disposal efficiency in 2022 and balancing her load to rotate between defence and midfield. Though not a huge accumulator, Schirmer did record two 20-plus disposal games, and had double-figure touches in all bar one of her games. It will be fascinating to see what role or roles Schirmer will play in 2023, coming off a shared club best and fairest last season.
Schirmer comes in at number 12 in our countdown due to her well-rounded game and high potential, limiting her deficiencies as she continues to develop. Given her size and strengths, the South Adelaide utility should be given high consideration in the Overage Draft coming up, and certainly be a mature-age draft contender at the end of the year with another consistent year.
2021 INTERVIEW AT THE AFLW UNDER 19 CHAMPIONSHIPS:
